Ruler of earth and fertility, patron of the springtime, ruler of the East. In honor of Xipe Totec warriors, men and women, are sacrificed in gladiatorial combat. When they've given their service, their bodies are flayed (skinned) and a priest then wears the skin; this is called the "Garment of Gold." Though some would argue, I believe he is the same as Xochipilli, God of Love and Flowers; as Centeotl, God of the Maize; as Macuilxochitl, God of Games and Chance, the patron of gamblers.

Ruler of the clouds and the rain, giver of water, ruler of the South. In honor of Tlaloc, to give him the strength he needs, the people of the Anahuac sacrifice their most precious possessions, their children. Children with cowlicks in their hair are especially suitable for him.

Quetzalcoatl is the giver of life, the giver of knowledge. When a child is born, it is Quetzalcoatl who gives him or her the first breath. He is the patrons of priests and men of knowledge; he teaches the method of sacrifice though he finds it abhorrent. As Ehecatl he is the Lord of the Wind, of the Hurricane; as Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli he is the Lord of the Morning Star, bringer of the Dawn.

Quetzalcoatl's ancient enemy; the tension between them maintains Ollin, it keeps the world moving. The ruler of the North, Tezcatlipoca is a God of War, a God of Sacrifice, a God of Fate; he is also known as Yaotl (The Enemy), as Titlacuan (He Whose Slaves We Are), and as Chalchihuitotlin (Jade Fowl). As Yohualli Ehecatl he is the Spirit of the Night Wind, as Itzli he is the Spirit of the Knife, as Itzlacoliuhqui he is the Lord of Snow and Ice.

The ruler of the Center. Xiuhtecuhtli is also known as Huehueteotl, the "Old Old" God. The sacred incense, Copalli, is burned in braziers sacred to him, and to him and for him men and women offer their bodies to the fire in sacrifice...